Devotion: Thankful
Please take a moment to read Romans 7:14-25
Today’s scripture could be described as a ‘tongue twister’! Paul seems to be saying so many contrary things, but he ends with the most important phrase, ‘Thank God! It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free.’
In our hurried and complicated lives, we find ourselves overwhelmed by so many things to do. As a retired teacher, I remember the feeling of, ”How am I going to get it all done?”
I had major surgery in May and I am still feeling the effects. You would think it would be easy to just take care of myself and not have any students needing me. But I am constantly going to doctors, therapy and trying to be ‘normal’. Through it all, I am thankful. It has been quite a journey, so many bumps in the road. Paul had bumps in the road, too! The temptation is there to blame someone or give in to weakness. I have learned not to let the dark side win.
Outside my small room at rehab, a bird-feeder sat empty on the first day of my 20-day stay. My husband wanted to bring some light into my dull days and filled that feeder daily. The song, “His Eye is on the Sparrow”, kept going through my head as I watched those small birds enjoy the feast. I knew that I was not alone. I am so thankful God has been with me each day of my journey. Visitors, birds and kindnesses have brought light into my life. “It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free.”
Thank you, Lord, for your constant love and presence. Let us be the lights in the world for those that are suffering. Amen.
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!